Tag Archives: Kadir Nelson

If You Plant a Seed

Posted on March 30, 2015 by

With very few words and gorgeous paintings, Kadir Nelson tells a beautiful story of sharing and bounty. A bunny and a mouse plant a small garden, and are all set to eat the produce when the birds show up. A … Continue reading →

Posted in Books with science links, Picture books | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

I Have A Dream

Posted on January 21, 2013 by

Kadir Nelson illustrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.‘s dream using the words of that well-known speech. Nelson creates a balance between history and a vision for the future:  We see both Dr. King on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography, Books with social studies links, Love that art, Nonfiction, Picture books | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mama Miti

Posted on March 13, 2012 by

A biography that reads like a legend, Mama Miti is a superb literature choice to study Kenya, wisdom and environmental renewal. Wangari Muta Maathai, a.k.a. Mama Miti, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, a first for an African woman. One … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography, Books with social studies links, Love that art, Love that prose, Nonfiction, Picture books | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad

Posted on February 23, 2012 by

All of the angst of a child born into slavery and yearning for freedom is poured into Kadir Nelson‘s artwork of Henry, a real person who mailed himself to freedom in a wooden crate. Ellen Levine‘s story weaves fact and … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography, Love that art, Picture books | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln

Posted on November 30, 2011 by

Resolve to be honest at all events and if you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer.  Choose some other occupations. Abraham Lincoln’s own words are sprinkled throughout the text in this beautiful biography, … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography, Books with social studies links, Love that art, Love that prose, Nonfiction, Picture books, Word choice | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Dancing in the Wings

Posted on April 25, 2011 by

From big feet to dancing the role of a lifetime, Dancing in the Wings is a modern day fairy tale by dancer Debbie Allen. Sassy is taller than her fellow dancers, has bigger feet and an attitude to match her … Continue reading →

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A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis

Posted on February 16, 2011 by

There is beauty about a story that brings together perseverance, finding one’s place in the world and fighting a battle for the country.   All this and sports too.  And it’s a true story.  I don’t know what it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography, Books with social studies links, Character-driven, Love that art, Love that prose, Nonfiction, Picture books, Voice | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

Posted on September 29, 2010 by

Kadir Nelson is one of the best contemporary illustrators out there as can be seen in this uplifting and glowing picture book. Use it to discuss African-American spirituals and their origins. Use it for facial expression and feelings, generating vocabulary … Continue reading →

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